Planning a winter getaway? Here’s what you need to know

December 10, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

With the arrival of snow and colder winter weather, many Canadians are already planning for sunny getaways. Before you pack your bags, the Government of Canada would like to remind you of the wealth of information and advice available on Travel.gc.ca to help you plan a safe and successful trip. Visit Travel.gc.ca for safe travel advice and remember to follow the 3 Rs of international travel:

• Read Canada’s destination-specific Travel Advice and Advisories, which have information for over 230 destinations on risk levels, security conditions, entry and exit requirements, local laws and customs and more. Later this month, colour-coded maps will be added to these pages to help you visualize the risk levels corresponding to your destination
• Register with the free Registration of Canadians Abroad service, which sends Canadian travellers the latest updates in case of an emergency abroad or a personal emergency at home
• Reach us in case of an emergency at your destination by keeping contact information for Government of Canada offices abroad and our Emergency Watch and Response Centre close at hand

Canadians should also keep the following advice in mind when planning a trip and while they’re away:

• Get travel insurance: Read our advice on travel insurance. Choose the best insurance based on your needs. Take time to compare your options and to verify the terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and requirements of the insurance policy before leaving Canada
• Stay healthy: Read the health section in the Travel Advice for your destination. Book a check-up with your doctor and get any recommended or required vaccinations
• Check your documents: Consult the Entry and exit requirements section in the Travel Advice for your destination. Ensure that your passport and other travel documents are valid and keep them safe. Make sure your passport is valid for the required period and obtain a visa or electronic travel authorization prior to your trip, if necessary. Keep your travel documents safe 
• Ensure that children travelling alone; with only 1 parent or guardian; with friends or relatives; or with a group, have a consent letter and any other appropriate documentation. Visit Children and travel for more information
• Know the local laws: Be aware of important laws in the country you are visiting by consulting the laws and culture section of the Travel Advice for your destination   
• Never carry, buy or use illegal drugs under any circumstance: Visit the safety and security section of the Travel Advice for your destination for more information

At any time, Canadians in need of emergency consular assistance can call the closest Government of Canada office abroad. Help is also available 24/7 through Global Affairs Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa: